Southampton Hospitals Charity launches Christmas Appeal to help children spend time at home during cancer treatment

Life-changing backpacks

For children receiving cancer treatment at University Hospital Southampton, specialist equipment can transform what care looks and feels like. Like the clever little backpacks currently being used on the Piam Brown ward, Southampton’s oncology and haematology centre for children from birth to 16 years. Each one contains a smart portable CADD pump, known as a Computerized Ambulatory Delivery Device, that allows children to receive part of their cancer treatment safely at home.

For families, this can mean everything. Instead of spending long hours on a ward, they are given precious time together and enjoying moments of normality during an incredibly difficult journey.

As part of the appeal, we spoke with patients, parents, and hospital staff who shared how innovations like these backpacks have made a difference to them. Families expressed the relief of having even a few evenings at home, while clinical teams described how these projects not only improve comfort but also strengthen children’s confidence and emotional wellbeing during treatment.

Laura Bengree, Lead Paediatric Oncology Nurse at Southampton Children’s Hospital, said:

“Even one night less in hospital means so much to our families. Innovations like portable treatment pumps help bring hospital and home closer together – something especially important during the festive period.”

Help bring children home for Christmas

Through this year’s Christmas Appeal, Southampton Hospitals Charity is raising funds to support projects where care and innovation come together to change lives. You can read more about our appeal here.

By donating this Christmas, you’ll help create more of these life-changing moments: moments of comfort during long treatments, moments of togetherness in uncertain times, and moments of hope that reassure families they’re never facing this journey alone.

Together, we can make a real and lasting difference for patients, families, and staff across our hospital – not just during the festive season, but every day of the year.